Industry News | 9/17/25
- SPESA
- Sep 16
- 9 min read
NAUMD Celebrates National Uniform Day, September 17
Press Release | September 17, 2025
Organized by the Network Association of Uniform Manufacturers and Distributors (NAUMD), National Uniform Day highlights the people behind the uniforms, while recognizing the industries that help make uniform programs possible. In recognition of National Uniform Day, NAUMD partnered with the Textile Rental Services Association to create a new video that honors the men and women across industries who wear uniforms to work, and the contributions they make to the U.S. economy. You can check out the video here. NAUMD is a member of the Alphabet Soup Collective.
U.S. Kicks Off Consultation Process for USMCA Review
Supply Chain Dive | September 17, 2025
The U.S. has unveiled the official process it will use to collect public feedback on the benefits and drawbacks of the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement through a Federal Register notice submitted for public inspection.
In the notice, the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative said it is looking for interested parties to weigh in on several key topics, including actions the U.S. should propose to promote balanced trade, new market access and economic security between the three trading partners.
Cambodia Raises Monthly Minimum Wage for Garment Industry to $210USD for 2026
Xinhua | September 17, 2025
Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet said on Wednesday that the kingdom set a new monthly minimum wage for the garment, footwear and travel goods industry at 210 U.S. dollars for 2026. This new minimum wage will take effect January 1, 2026. Besides the monthly minimum wage, the workers will also receive other monthly fringe benefits, including an extra $10 per month for regular attendance, an extra $7 per month for transportation and rent, and seniority bonus from $2 to $11 per month, he added.
SPESA Facilitates First-of-Its-Kind Strategy Simulation in Conjunction with Annual Executive Conference
Press Release | September 16, 2025
To close out the recent 2025 Executive Conference (event recap below), SPESA hosted a game simulation for conference attendees — a strategic exercise that incentivized creative problem-solving, critical thinking, and collaborative teamwork through a unique format.
Building on the event’s theme of resiliency, the game simulation was designed to provide attendees an opportunity to step out of the classroom, network in a creative way, and apply learnings from conference sessions and conversations.
Fears of Sewing Skills Gap as UK Apprentice Numbers Plummet
Fashion Network | September 16, 2025
According to the most recent UK government data, only 130 people have started the country’s Level 2 Sewing Machinist Apprenticeship since it was introduced in 2018. Among other concerns, the low number makes it difficult for the country to meet industry demand for repairing secondhand clothing. The projected expansion of Europe's secondhand goods sector is anticipated to balloon to £86bn ($117.06bn) over the next decade. Additional coverage in Just Style.
FoundStock Launched To Verify Unused Deadstock Textiles
Sourcing Journal | September 16, 2025
A new global standard for verifying unused “deadstock” textiles is now available. Dubbed FoundStock, the standard provides a clear and auditable system for tracing materials that were produced but never used.
Databeyond Technology Pioneers China's First Fully Automated Textile Waste Sorting Line
Press Release | September 16, 2025
China's first fully automated textile waste sorting line has officially entered operation at Zhangjiagang Shanhesheng Environmental Technology Co., Ltd. Developed and manufactured by Databeyond Technology, the line integrates AI and hyperspectral imaging technologies to deliver automated, high-precision sorting of discarded garments. The milestone marks the entry of China's textile recycling sector into the era of AI-driven sorting.
The North Face Moves 80% of Production from Türkiye To Cut Costs
Just Style | September 16, 2025
VF Corp's The North Face has reportedly reduced its orders from Gelisim Tekstil, a longstanding supplier, opting to move the majority of its production to Vietnam and Bangladesh.
SPESA MEMBER SPOTLIGHT | CreateMe’s New Standard for the Garment Industry
Innovation in Textiles | September 15, 2025
SPESA’s newest member, CreateMe Technologies, a category-defining apparel automation company based in Newark, California, has introduced two breakthrough innovations poised to reshape the industry — MeRA (modular-engineering robotic assembly), an autonomous apparel manufacturing platform designed to scale and streamline production, and Pixel, a proprietary microadhesive technology.
Together, they power a scalable, high-precision platform that is said to replace traditional sewing for longevity, shorten production timelines, and enable sustainable, on-demand manufacturing in the United States.
CreateMe’s technology has also been featured in Just Style, Sourcing Journal, and Women’s Wear Daily.
SPESA MEMBER SPOTLIGHT | Lectra Appoints John Brearley as President of the Americas
Press Release | September 15, 2025
“We look forward to John Brearley continuing his impactful journey within the group as he steps into this pivotal leadership role”, says Daniel Harari, chairman and CEO of Lectra. “With his extensive experience in the industry and a proven track record of leading our teams to support our customers and drive growth in Lectra’s recurring business, John is well-positioned to lead our Americas teams toward accelerated growth, strengthened customer relationships, and achieve our strategic objectives.”
Banking Woes Threaten Bangladesh's RMG Export Momentum
Fibre2Fashion | September 15, 2025
With Western retailers increasingly seeking alternatives to Chinese suppliers amid geopolitical and cost considerations, Bangladesh has emerged as a key beneficiary. However, just as factories began preparing to absorb the expected surge in orders, the sector was blindsided by a systemic banking failure — one that has reportedly affected production in around 400 garment manufacturing units recently. The crisis is rooted in the sector’s heavy reliance on Letters of Credit for procurement and production continuity.
VF Corp. To Sell Dickies for $600M
Retail Dive | September 15, 2025
VF Corporation has an agreement to sell its Dickies workwear brand to Bluestar Alliance for $600 million in cash, the apparel conglomerate announced. The transaction is expected to close by the end of the year.
New Luxury Fabric Show To Debut in London
Fashion United | September 15, 2025
A new exhibition dedicated to showcasing British textiles is set to take place in London this October. The event’s launch comes as a response to the cancellation of Textile Forum, a long-running fair that has been halted by organiser UKFT.
How Fashion Tech Could Be the Coolest Weapon Against Climate Change
Fashion United | September 15, 2025
“As temperatures rise globally, what we wear is no longer only a question of style, but of survival.” This is the context for a quiet revolution underway in Hong Kong. Researchers at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, led by Professor Dahua Shou of the School of Fashion and Textiles, are developing truly intelligent, sustainable personal cooling systems. Shou’s recent paper in Science outlines a next-generation approach that integrates advanced textiles, AI-driven wearables, and principles from thermodynamics to create garments that actively respond to the body’s needs.
SPESA ‘Sews’ Seeds of Innovation at Executive Conference in Chicago
eTextileCommunications | September 12, 2025
Check out Devin Steele’s coverage (and photo album) of the recent 2025 SPESA Executive Conference. Thanks Devin!
Arvind, H&M Group and Deven Inaugurate India’s First Supercritical CO₂ Dyeing Machine
Textile Magazine | September 12, 2025
Lauded as a breakthrough in sustainable textile manufacturing, Arvind Limited, one of India’s leading textile-to-retail conglomerates, in collaboration with leading fashion brand, H&M Group and Indian innovation start-up Deven Supercriticals Pvt. Ltd., has announced the inauguration of India’s first supercritical CO₂ dyeing machine at Arvind’s facility in Ahmedabad.
Asics Worked with 7 Different Retailers for a First-of-Its-Kind Sneaker Collaboration
Footwear News | September 11, 2025
This is pretty cool. Typically, footwear collaborations involve two brands. On special occasions, a third partner is brought to the fold, each offering their own input on the final product. For its upcoming “Tomo” project, Japanese athletic company Asics is upping the collaboration ante by tapping seven retailers to contribute on one of the brand’s newest Sportstyle reissues.
Mexico’s New Tariffs on Asian Imports Aim To Counter U.S. Trade Pressures
AP | September 10, 2025
The Mexican government has announced plans to implement import taxes as high as 50% on more than 1,400 products from China and other Asian countries. President Claudia Sheinbaum said the tariffs are intended to counter the effects of U.S. tariffs on some products from Mexico, particularly in the automotive sector, which accounts for 23% of Mexico’s manufacturing.
Among the products that will face new or increased import taxes are light vehicles, auto parts, textiles, shoes, plastics, electronics, toys, and other items.
Brands and Artisans Are Left in a Lurch After International Carriers Stop Shipments to the U.S.
Modern Retail | September 10, 2025
Many business owners have been left in a lurch after postal services around the world — including in the U.K., France, Germany, Italy, Japan, India, and South Korea — temporarily stopped shipping packages to the U.S. All did so before August 29th, when the U.S. fully rolled back the de minimis exemption, which had previously allowed packages valued under $800 to enter the country duty free. Low-value goods are now subject to whatever tariff rate applies to their country of origin, or companies can pay a flat rate of $80-$200 to bring their products in.
Whether or not you are a fan of the recent de minimis decision, this article provides insight into some of the impact on markets and vendors. Similar coverage from NBC News is available here. And The Washington Post highlighted the struggles of the U.S. knitting community here.
Women in Nonwovens (WIN) Network To Host Inaugural Event During Hygienix 2025
Nonwovens Industry | September 10, 2025
Recognizing the growing role of women working within the global nonwovens industry, a new networking group, to be known as Women in Nonwovens (WIN) is forming, in person and through LinkedIn. Envisioning a vibrant, supportive community that empowers women in the nonwovens industry through mentorship, leadership, and collaboration, WIN hopes to shape a future where women thrive and inspire one another to lead with confidence, innovation, and purpose.
Pakistan’s Interloop Invests $35.2mn in Garments Manufacturing in Qantara West
Daily News Egypt | September 9, 2025
Pakistani apparel manufacturer Interloop has disclosed a $35.2m investment to develop a readymade garment production facility in Egypt. The new facility will create more than 1,000 direct jobs and dedicate 100% of its production for export to foreign markets — underscoring the area’s growing role as a hub for manufacturing and international trade in the apparel sector. Additional coverage in Just Style.
Now or Never To Invest, Upskill U.S. Fashion Supply Chain
Just Style | September 8, 2025
In her regular Week in Review, Just Style Editor Laura Husband featured SPESA President Michael McDonald’s “bold statement” about the U.S. domestic fashion supply chain at our recent conference in Chicago.
Michael pointed out that only 3% of clothing purchased by U.S. consumers is made domestically and it’s now time to see that share doubled. He argued the new tariff revenues being collected by the U.S. Government should be reinvested into the industry.
Why N.C. State Researcher’s Fabrics Could End Up in Your Furniture and Might Change the Planet
Spectrum News 1 | September 8, 2025
Inside her office at Wilson College of Textiles, N.C. State Associate Professor Ericka Ford is developing material that could change the way fabrics are made all over the world. Ford’s acrylics are made with less waste, using every input component for the output. She spins her fabrics in the university’s vast laboratories.
What You Missed in Chicago!
Event Recap | September 8, 2025
Thank you to everyone who joined us in Chicago for the 2025 SPESA Executive Conference! From the packed agenda to the packed after-party, this may just have been our best event yet.
For those of you who weren't able to attend in person, click the link below to see what you missed.
Small Business Administration Unveils Loan Program for Small Manufacturers
Manufacturing Dive | September 5, 2025
The U.S. Small Business Administration has launched what it calls its first-ever loan program designed to support small manufacturers across the country by providing additional credit for working capital needs. Effective October 1st, the Manufacturer’s Access to Revolving Credit (MARC) Loan Program will provide a maximum amount of $5 million to borrowers engaged in manufacturing. The money must be used for working capital needs, such as inventory purchases or new projects.
The U.S.-China Cotton Supply Chain Continues To ‘Decouple’
Sourcing Journal | September 5, 2025
U.S. cotton exports are being remolded by geopolitical changes, experts say. Shipments to China plummeted by 90% in the first half of the year, yet ticked up in other Asian markets such as Pakistan, Türkiye, and Vietnam, the last of which saw a threefold increase.
The numbers, provided by data firm LSEG, are a reflection of the Trump Administration’s tariff policies and the tit-for-tat response they have engendered, says Dr. Sheng Lu.
SPESA MEMBER SPOTLIGHT | TUKATECH Promotes Pedro Mora to Senior CAM Manager
Press Release via eTextileCommunications | September 4, 2025
SPESA member Tukatech recently announced the promotion of Pedro Mora to Senior CAM Manager. Mora’s journey with Tukatech spans more than 25 years, beginning as a cutting room technologist, where he was instrumental in the installation and implementation of TUKAcutters and other advanced Computer Aided Manufacturing (CAM) systems. Over the decades, he has grown into one of the apparel industry’s most respected engineers and consultants, trusted by manufacturers across the globe.
Milliken Acquires Highland Industries in Cheraw, S.C.
Press Release via eTextileCommunications | September 4, 2025
Global diversified manufacturer Milliken & Company has acquired the assets of Highland Industries, Inc. in Cheraw, South Carolina. The transaction strengthens Milliken's domestic operations and position in technical textiles.
Sewing Is Cool Again
The New York Times | September 4, 2025
Sharing mostly for the title. This profile on the New York Sewing Center highlights the growing interest in sewing skills across the country.
SPESA MEMBER SPOTLIGHT | BlueCherry® and Avalara Partner to Streamline Tax Compliance for Fashion Brands Amid Global Regulatory Shifts
Press Release | September 3, 2025
SPESA member CGS, Inc. recently announced a native integration between its BlueCherry® platform and Avalara, a leader in modern compliance automation software, offering the most advanced tax and compliance platform powered by AI.
With the integration of Avalara’s AI-infused AvaTax platform, BlueCherry ERP users can automate real-time tax calculations, manage exemption certificates, and streamline filings across multiple jurisdictions, both domestically and internationally. This reduces reliance on manual processes and costly third-party consultants, enabling brands to focus more on growth and innovation.
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